Gene Simmons Defends 'Ghetto' Comments, Stands by Rock Hall Stance

The KISS bassist doubles down on his criticism of rap's inclusion in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Gene Simmons, the 76-year-old KISS bassist, is standing by his recent comments criticizing rap music's inclusion in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. In a podcast appearance, Simmons said "It's not my music. I don't come from the ghetto. It doesn't speak my language." He has now told PEOPLE that he "stands by my words," while also attempting to reclaim the term "ghetto" as originally referring to Jewish communities. Simmons maintains that rock music owes its roots to Black music, but argues that rap is a distinct genre that does not belong in the Rock Hall.

Why it matters

Simmons' comments have sparked backlash, with critics accusing him of racism and elitism. The debate over the Rock Hall's inclusion of hip-hop artists reflects larger tensions around the definition of "rock" music and who gets to determine its boundaries.

The details

In a recent podcast appearance, Simmons criticized the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's induction of hip-hop artists like Grandmaster Flash, saying "It's not my music. I don't come from the ghetto. It doesn't speak my language." He has now doubled down on those comments to PEOPLE, saying "I stand by my words" while also attempting to reframe the term "ghetto" as originally referring to Jewish communities, not just African Americans. Simmons maintains that rock music owes its roots to Black music, but argues that rap is a distinct genre that does not belong in the Rock Hall.

  • Simmons made the controversial comments during a podcast appearance on February 7, 2026.
  • He reiterated his stance in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE on February 11, 2026.

The players

Gene Simmons

The 76-year-old bassist and co-founder of the rock band KISS, who has sparked controversy with his comments criticizing rap music's inclusion in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Ice Cube

The rapper who Simmons says he had a "back and forth" with regarding the Rock Hall's induction of hip-hop artists.

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What they’re saying

“It's not my music. I don't come from the ghetto. It doesn't speak my language.”

— Gene Simmons, KISS Bassist (Legends N Leaders Podcast)

“I stand by my words.”

— Gene Simmons, KISS Bassist (PEOPLE)

What’s next

It remains to be seen if Simmons' comments will further inflame the debate over the Rock Hall's inclusion of hip-hop artists, or if the controversy will die down in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

Simmons' unapologetic defense of his controversial comments highlights the ongoing tensions around the definition of "rock" music and who gets to determine its boundaries. The debate reflects larger cultural divides, with Simmons doubling down on his perspective while critics accuse him of racism and elitism.